Rationalism V.S. Functionalism and Their Relation to Art

In the world today there are several ways to view everything.  Art can be viewed either in the way of formalism which states that the purpose of art is to view it in a formal way with the absence of emotion.  Another way to view art is in the form of romanticism, this states that art should be viewed and accepted in manners of which that express emotion in addition to other elements. Romanticism is definitely the more plausible of the two.

A.)  Explanatory breadth encompasses Romanticism over formalism because in art today we truly see how emotions can be taken right out of art.  The reason emotion is so prevalent is because we see pictures in our own ways as individuals, and everyone’s interpretation is different which leads to significant interpretation. If you followed formalism you would not interpret any emotion.

B.)    Romanticism also highlights more explanatory depth.  The reason this is the case is because with the amount of emotion that is taken from art through romanticism, it makes the depth of interpretation and understanding of the emotions portrayed so much more significant.  Formalism doesn’t have the same amount of depth in its works, so in effect there is less explanatory depth in romanticism.

C.)    Simplicity is a very interesting topic to cover when addressing these two theories.  Even though romanticism covers more of the interpretation of art, formalism is definitely the simpler theory as it has less things to cover in its work. As a leading example, formalism doesn’t have to address the emotion in art, therefore it has less to cover and is in effect, simpler.

D.)   Romanticism definitely has more conservatism because it is very in line with the common beliefs that people of the world have.  In our everyday lives there is much more emotion put into what we do and how we do it.  In this manner in reference to art, it can clearly be seen how romanticism is the more commonly followed theory.  In opposition, formalism does not convey the same amount of emotion therefore it does not fit with the common beliefs of the world today.

1.)    Romanticism and Formalism are the most plausible theories of art.

2.)    Romanticism possesses more explanatory breadth, depth, and conservatism.  In addition, romanticism does not possess the simplicity that formalism does.

3.)    Therefore, Romanticism is the best theory of art.